Glyn Walden, a former Diss town councillor and mayor, was made an honorary alderman of the town during a presentation ceremony in the Old Stables at Diss Corn Hall on Wednesday, attended by town councillors and other local dignitaries.

The title of honorary alderman is a recognition for long service and Mr Walden received a certificate from current Diss mayor Graham Minshull and a T-shirt specially made for him with the words “old rockers never die” on the front and “they just become members of the Grumpy Old Men’s club” on the back.

His third gift was a voucher to spend at Blooms of Bressingham.

The T-shirt was a humourous reference to a joke made by town clerk Deborah Sarson in a speech prior to the presentation about the five “Grumpy Old Men,” who were trustees at Diss Corn Hall.

However, both Ms Sarson and Mr Minshull praised the hard work and determination put in by Mr Walden and his fellow trustees, without which the Corn Hall would not exist and also the amount of money he had raised for charity.

Mr Minshull said: “He has done it very quickly, very professionally and you know that the job is done and that is why I am sad to be losing a councillor.

“The only status would be alderman of the town because without Glyn’s hard work, Diss would have been a much poorer place.”

In receiving the award, Mr Walden spoke about some of his achievements during his 20 years on the council, including his fundraising work and setting up a community shop in Tivetshall, which won an award.

He also praised his fellow Corn Hall trustees, saying: “They may be grumpy old men, but they are a fine bunch of trustees.”

He added: “The elected councillors have been a fine bunch of people to work with. They have shown me respect and friendship. Thank you very much.”